During a recent hearing, Senator Mazie Hirono, a Democrat from Hawaii, faced criticism from a Republican colleague. Hirono suggested that lawmakers who oppose diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives must believe her views are untrustworthy because she is a minority.
The exchange occurred during a hearing on the state of DEI in the United States. Hirono clashed with a witness from an anti-DEI law group regarding the constitutionality of DEI initiatives.
After the witness challenged her assertion that the courts have never deemed diversity, equity, and inclusion unconstitutional, Hirono expressed frustration at running out of time for further discussion.
Senator Eric Schmitt, a Republican from Missouri, jokingly referred to the group of lawmakers as “intellectually diverse.” Hirono responded by implying that opposition to DEI initiatives implies a lack of trust in her, to which Schmitt strongly disagreed.
Despite the disagreement, Hirono thanked Schmitt as he called for the hearing to adjourn.
Hirono has been vocal in her criticism of Republicans, former President Donald Trump, and his administration. She has also raised eyebrows with her line of questioning during confirmation hearings for Trump’s nominees.
During Pete Hegseth’s confirmation hearing for defense secretary, Hirono accused him of being willing to shoot at lawful protesters. Additionally, she was the sole dissenting vote on the Senate’s Veterans’ Affairs Committee against Trump’s nominee for Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary.
